Arsenal and Newcastle United look set to make a bid for Cardiff City's Danny Gabbidon.

PREMIERSHIP giants Arsenal and Newcastle United look set to make an ambitious bid for Cardiff City's Danny Gabbidon.

The Gunners' and the Magpies' chief scouts - Stuart Houston and Charlie Woods - noted every movement of the Bluebirds centre-back against Crewe Alexandra in Saturday's 3-0 victory.

A bid of around #6m could be in the offing for the Welsh international when the transfer window re-opens in January, with both clubs keen to strengthen their rearguard.

The Echo understands Newcastle are favourites to capture Gabbidon and will try to open negotiations soon to pave a way for a serious bid in January.

The Magpies had Gabbidon watched in four of his six appearances this season: against Rotherham, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Crewe, a source confirmed today.

Houston and Woods did not follow the general play on Saturday, both keeping their eyes on Gabbidon's positional sense at the heart of the City defence.

Cwmbran-born Gabbidon has not hidden the fact that he wants to play at the highest level possible. And such quality, with a price tag of around #6m, would be a bargain for a player with such potential.

City owner Sam Hammam will not want to sell one of his prized assets at such a critical time of the season, but wages of around #25,000-#30,000 a week, could force the owner's hand.

Only last month, Wales boss Mark Hughes said the 24-year-old was destine to play amongst football's elite in the Premiership.

But, if the bids come in, the question is whether Hammam and manager Lennie Lawrence will allow the move to take place.